Places

Important historic sites located in the Lebanon Valley.

Established in 1787, Mount Lebanon was the single largest communal society in America for over 100 years and was the center of the Shaker world. The largest and most important shaker community, Mount Lebanon created the temple for Shaker social organization, architecture, and religious practice.

Visit the Heritage Center to obtain an area map and directions to this monument.

The Samuel J. Tilden Monument -[1895-96] Designed by the noted architect Ernest Flagg, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and lies in the idyllic Cemetery of the Evergreens, a beautiful shaded memorial park with many walks; worth a visit in its own right. The inscription reads: "I still trust the people".

The Healing waters of the Warm Spring drew the Mohicans and later Europeans to this area. In 1756, During the French and Indian War, the Mohicans lead a British soldier, Captain James Hitchcock, to cure him of a debilitating skin disease. Impressed by the medicinal powers of the water, he returned to Lebanon Springs after the Revolutionary War, leased a small house downhill from the Spring, and piped in the water. Soon he began renting out his bathtub to other sufferers: thus the spa was born.

At the age of 17, Dr. Jesse Torrey founded the first free lending library in the United States. With a membership of 147 youths, it became the model for free libraries throughout America.

[1820] Thomas Kendall, a machinist, set the standard system of graduating the scale of degrees on the instrument and established the first U.S. thermometer factory at the site adjacent to the present Kendall House deli-cafe.His eldest son John took over the business after his father's death, and the business thrived throughout the 19th Century.

[circa 1770] Built by Elisha Gilbert, the flouring mill and small saw mill are among the oldest standing structures in New Lebanon. They were part of a small hamlet that included the Gilbert House, shown below, built by Elisha's son. Theodore Roosevelt was partial to the cornmeal produced at the mill, which was served in the Governor's mansion and the White House during his tenure. Private residence; no admittance.

[1820- 1870] This Federal period farmhouse with Italianate additions was continuously occupied by the locally prominent Hand family for a century and a half.

[1795] Built by Major Elisha Gilbert II, who commanded a militia company that fought during the Revolutionary war. Gilbert was later active in state and local politics and served as Master of the Masonic Lodge that met at the house. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Private residence; no admittance.

[circa 1760] The sole saltbox house in New Lebanon. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Boasts a spectacular view of the New Lebanon valley from the road, County Road 5, (driving north from US 20) near the house. Private residence; no admittance.

[circa 1870] This large Victorian home boasts a widows walk, a stone wall designed by Sir Henry Kitson, who sculpted the Springs fountain and a location on the highly scenic Cemetary Road. Private residence; no admittance.